Collecting narratives and writing stories of diversity: Reflecting on power and identity in our professional practice

Abstract

Drawing on the personal accounts of researchers of diversity, this chapter discusses the praxis of doing qualitative diversity research. First, it discusses how during a process of socialization, researchers are exposed to norms which promote certain research practices important to achieve the status of ‘good academic.’ Second, it discusses the ambiguous and unstable power and identity dynamics characterizing qualitative research on diversity. Third, the chapter addresses the issue of translating research findings into writing, and highlights how in this process, authors have significant power, yet are also regulated in particular directions by academic conventions. Fourth, it discusses the issue of reflexivity, highlighting how it can not only be practiced in a ‘good,’ but also a ‘bad’ and an ‘ugly’ way. In this way, this chapter highlights the identity- and power-laden difficulties and dilemmas confronting qualitative researchers in the field of diversity.